Birthday Party FAQ

party planning

Booking Your Party (Availability)

How do I book a party or check on availability?

To request a reservation you may fill out our online Reservation Request or Reservations can be made over the phone Monday through Friday 9am -5pm.

What days and times are available?

Saturdays and Sundays

The DoSeum hours are:

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5pm | Sunday: Noon – 5pm

Available Times:

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.*

3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.*

*The DoSeum closes at 5 p.m. and does not offer extended hours for parties booked in the 3:30-5 p.m. or 3:00-4:30 p.m. time slots.

Reservations, Payments and Deposits

CAN I SEE THE PARTY ROOMS PRIOR TO MAKING A RESERVATION?

Yes. The party rooms can be seen in person or online. Contact the Group Sales Manager beforehand to schedule an appointment to ensure someone will be available to meet you.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION?

Because birthday parties are very popular, it is recommended to schedule as soon as possible.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BOOK MY PARTY?

We require a contract, which can be done over the phone and a non-refundable $200.00 deposit in order to reserve you’re your party.

How much is the deposit?

We require a $200 deposit for a single party room and $400 for a double party room.

When is the remaining payment due?

The remaining payment for the birthday package is due the Monday prior to your scheduled party.

What if I have to reschedule my reservation?

The party can be rescheduled if necessary to the next available date and time. The new party date must be within the same calendar year as the original date booked.

What if I have to cancel my reservation, do I get a refund?

In the event of a cancellation, deposit/payments are non-refundable. We will do our best to accommodate your party with the next available date and time if you would like to reschedule.

Member Discounts

I am a Museum member. Do I get any discount on birthday parties?

Museum members receive a 10% discount. Please note that this discount is on the party package only.

Guests & Party Rooms

How many people are included in my party package?

Your party package includes up to 30 admissions for a single party room

How many people can each party room seat?

Your party room has a maximum number of guests due to fire code regulations:

Single Party Room has a capacity of 35 total guests

Double Party Room has a capacity of 70 total guests

Who is included in the total number of guests?

Please include every adult and child that will be attending the party. Children 11 months and under do not count towards your birthday count. Museum regulations require that children must be with an adult at all times. For children’s safety we do not allow birthday guest parents to drop off and leave their children during the birthday parties.

If I am a member or my guests are members are they counted towards the 30?

Museum members’ free entry does not apply to child party guests, as they require consumable resources outside of the scope of their membership.

What if I exceed the amount of children or adults?

The current admission price will be charged for each guest (children and adults) that exceeds the allowed amount.

Can the party be for two children at the same time?

Yes. However, the total guest count does not increase with an additional child.

Decorations, Party Entertainment & Supplies

What is the role of the Birthday Party Buddy (Host)?

Every party comes with a Birthday Buddy to help with set up, help keep your party on schedule and clean up. Your Birthday Buddy will also collect all presents, leftover food, and any other supplies you wish to take home. The Birthday Buddy is not there to cut the cake or serve the food. She/he is there to assist you with any questions or concerns, as well as provide and conduct any of our add-on activities. We want you to be able to have a fun and relaxing party. While the Birthday Buddy is there to help, please remember that we always defer to a parent for behavior correction of their children.

Can I get in the party room earlier or can I purchase additional time?

Birthday parents will be allowed in the room 15 minutes prior to your party time for set-up. Additional time cannot be purchased for the party room. The party room must be vacated at the designated ending time of your party. You and your guests are welcome to enjoy the museum until closing.

What decorations can I bring and am I allowed to decorate the party room?

Yes. Decorations must remain in the room and cannot be hung outside the room, in the lobby, etc. Due to safety guidelines, we are unable to allow confetti, glitter or silly string in the museum.

The DoSeum requires the use of painters’ tape when taping anything to the walls. Any other tape, tacks, pushpins and nails are not permitted, as they can cause damage to the walls. Items cannot be hung from the ceiling, light fixtures or any electronic equipment mounted on the ceilings or walls.

Consider bringing an extra adult to help you decorate and set-up your room or to watch your children while you do so. Your Birthday Buddy will also be there to help you set as well.

Can I bring helium Balloons?

Yes, you may bring helium balloons for decoration only. Balloons must be tied to a weight, cannot be separated and remain in bouquet(s). We also asked that the balloons not be passed out to children/adults. The balloons must remain tied together and to the weight until you have exited the museum.

What do I need to bring?

The DoSeum will provide multi-color polka dot tablecloth covers for all the party room tables. You are still more than welcome to bring in your own special tablecloths. Each room there are 35 chairs and 8 tables measuring at 5 ft x 2 ft. None of our packages provide for knives, forks or spoons. Please bring those items in if you have a need for them.

Can we use candles for the cake?

Yes, as long as they are 4 inches or smaller and made of wax. Sparkler candles or candles that are larger than 4 inches that produce a lot of smoke or high flames are prohibited.

Can I bring in a face painter, balloon artist or Character?

Yes, please inform the Group Sales Manager when confirming your details, so this information is passed on to your host. We recommend that any characters change after they arrive to the museum and before they leave. For safety reasons, all adults attending the birthday parties that are not accompanied by children will need to be run through our Raptor System at the front desk. A valid State ID, Drivers License or Passport can be used. If you have any further questions, please contact the Group Sales Manager.

Can I Purchase Additional Time?

Yes, an additional 30 minutes may be purchased for $75.

Finalizing Your Party

Is the Museum appropriate for all children?

Our Museum’s exhibits and programs are specifically designed for children, birth through age ten. But older children are certainly allowed and may enjoy their visit as well during your birthday party.

Is parking included?

2-hour reserved parking spaces will be provided for the birthday family. The DoSeum offers free public parking for all addtional guests. We do encourage you, your family and your guests to carpool due to limited parking at The DoSeum.

How Do I get supplies to/from my car?

Birthday hosts will assist in moving supplies and decorations to/from your car. Please note, you will need to be in the parking lot, not the bus loading zone.

When do I need to finalize the details of the birthday party?

All details and finalization must be confirmed by 4pm the Monday prior to your weekend party.

THE PARTY

Where do my guests and I check in for the birthday party?

Birthday Parents, please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled (15 minute) set-up time. There will be a dedicated birthday check-in station for all birthday parties. We will have you and all your guests sign-in on the dedicated sign-in sheet for your party. Guests will be directed to the party room.

What if I have some adults attending the party that do not have children?

All adults are welcome to attend the birthday party as well as The DoSeum. For safety reasons, all adults attending the birthday parties that are not accompanied by children will need to be run through our Raptor System at the front desk. A valid State ID, Drivers License or Passport can be used. If you have any further questions, please contact the Group Sales Manager.

Where are the party rooms located?

All party rooms are located on the 2nd floor of the 1st building. You enter the main lobby, turn left and you will see the first flight of stairs or elevator. Once you reach the 2nd floor, the party rooms will be located on the left hand side.

What if my guests arrive before me?

You and your guests have access to The DoSeum from the time we open until the time we close. Once they are signed in they can enjoy the museum until your party starts. We recommend inviting your guests a little earlier to ensure a prompt arrival to your party. Have guests leave gifts in their car and get a re-entry hand stamp to retrieve them if they arrive early.

How do I get my supplies to and from my car?

Your birthday Host is more than happy to help you unload your items. We have carts available to make this process easier. Please note that you must unload from the parking lot, not the Bus Loading Zone.

What if I arrive late?

If you are running late, please inform our Front Desk so we can tell your birthday Host and Birthday Supervisor. Because other parties may be booked after your allotted time, we cannot extend your time if you are late.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Option 1: Papa John's Pizza

Large 1 topping pizza - $11.00*

Large any toppings pizza (up to 5 toppings) - $14.00*

MEATS:

Pepperoni

Sausage

Spicy Italian

Grilled Chicken

Canadian Bacon

Beef

Bacon

Anchovies

VEGGIES:

Green Peppers

Onions

Jalapeño Peppers

Pineapple

Roma Tomatoes

Mushrooms

Banana Peppers

Black Olives

DRINKS:

2-Liter Pepsi Products - $3 each

Pepsi

Diet Pepsi

Mountain Dew

Sierra Mist

Mug Root Beer

Orange Crush

*Please add $3.00 for Papa John’s delivery fee per order. You may also add a tip for Papa John’s driver.

Plates, napkins and cups will be provided upon request.

How do I order Papa John’s Pizza ?

Just place your order with the Group Sales Manager. These prices are only offered through The DoSeum. Food Orders must be finalized by 4pm the Monday prior to your weekend party.

How to order:

Option 3: Outside our recommended vendors

Want to bring in your own food? No problem!

It is the policy of The DoSeum that all outside food not ordered through The DoSeum or The DoSeum Café and served within the party room(s) that is provided by the reserving party must have a signed Food Waiver Form along with a $35 wavier fee. The only exception to this policy are the two (2) items listed: store bought/bakery made cake/cupcakes and sealed drinks.

If I decide to bring my own food, is there somewhere to store it?

Due to limited space we cannot store items before or after your dedicated party time. Limited space is available in our Refrigerator and Freezer, but can only be used during your party time. We ask that all food brought in must be prepared and warmed ahead of time prior to your party.

What can I bring to keep my food warm?

For child safety, please note that warmers, chaffing dishes, sternos, hot plates, microwaves, roasters, or anything with high heat or open flame are not permitted within the party rooms. Up to two Crock-Pots are allowed. The DoSeum is not responsible for warming or heating up your food.

Can I have food delivered to The DoSeum?

Yes, food can be delivered to the museum; however the birthday parent is responsible and must be present for accepting and singing for the delivery. Your Host or staff members will not sign for any delivery orders not made by The DoSeum.

Can I bring in an ice chest?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring in an ice chest for your drinks or to keep your food items cold. The DoSeum cannot provide ice for your party.

Special Notes

Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes are strictly prohibited on the museum grounds. The museum and its grounds are private property. No part of the museum’s grounds or property may be used for private birthday parties or events without prior reservations.

The DoSeum Café and outside picnic tables may NOT be used by individuals or groups for serving birthday cakes, cupcakes, parties or private events for any reason without the purchase of a party package. The museum provides birthday party rooms that may be rented with advance notice by calling our Group Sales Manager at 210.572-0628.

All groups, special events and birthday parties MUST be booked in advance! The DoSeum does not assume liability for any theft or damage of personal property occurring within the museum or the parking areas.